As children, we're taught to be wary of strangers. But random encounters with people we don't know can lead to surprising insights about others and opportunities to learn more about ourselves. Click the links below to read this selection of...
Hard work can result in the completion of assigned tasks, a steady paycheck, a way to fill time or the simple satisfaction of a job well done. And like many other things in life, work can inspire belief. In honor...
What keeps you going when you are afraid to do something but do it anyway? What does it mean to be brave? Whether confronting fear of physical harm or death, or confronting justice and doing what's right, many people find...
Many a poet has written that blood is thicker than water. But today, blood and DNA do not necessarily define a family. The following essayists agree with Maya Angelou, who said "family isn't always blood . . . it's the...
Many of the world’s religions teach the importance of caring for each other, whether it’s tending to a close family member or showing compassion for a complete stranger. Click the links below to read how these essayists explore the simple...
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once said that "the little things are infinitely the most important.” Whether it's sending someone a thank you card, shoveling a neighbor's sidewalk, or remembering that your coworker prefers dark chocolate, the littlest things can make...
In the heated debates over political policy, it’s easy to forget that America is largely a nation of immigrants. For those who came to this country from distant lands generations ago, to the recently naturalized citizen, the American dream is...
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Water understands civilization well," but how well do we understand water? Until we travel to other parts of the world or experience a drought or water main break, we tend to take water for granted. Take...
When we share a hug with another person, we may not think about just how much it means. More than a quick handshake or saying "hello," a hug conveys affection, acceptance, or empathy without saying a word. Click the links...
